“Your nephew? Where is he?”
“He is now at Baiquiri at work on one of the shipping wharves.”
“He must dress well?” remarked the officer dryly.
“Alfredo earns much money. He was educated at the college.”
The officer tapped the floor with his heavy boot. “You tell a good story,” he said. “Beware lest we find you have been lying. Come!” The last word to his companions.
The soldiers went outside, and we heard a call to the men sent out into the woods and brush. A few minutes later there followed the sounds of horses' hoofs receding in the distance.
“Now we can get out of this hole, thank goodness!” burst out Burnham.
“Wait—Murillo will inform us when the coast is clear,” said Captain Guerez.
Fully five minutes passed before the old man raised the trap. His face wore a satisfied smile.